Manny Paquiao Calls on Jesus After Typhoon Haima Pummels Philippines

By Christine Thomasos, Christian Post Reporter Wednesday, October 26, 2016

Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao and Senatorial candidate for May 2016 national elections speaks to his supporters during election campaigning in San Pablo, Laguna in the Philippines, April 28, 2016. | (Photo: Reuters/Erik De Castro)

Manny Pacquiao is calling on Jesus to help the Filipino people overcome the destruction caused by Typhoon Haima this month.

The storm known to Filipinos as Super Typhoon Lawin, displaced hundreds of thousands of people after storms up to 100 mph ravished the nation. The 37-year-old Filipino senator, who came out of retirement to fight Jessie Vargas Nov. 5, is focused on his country and its people who have suffered from recent tropical storms.

The boxer took to social media to offer a prayer for the spirits and souls of Filipinos. He began the prayer by focusing on those who lost their lives during the storm.

"Lord Jesus, we pray for all the victims of typhoon Lawin and the spirits that have been broken. For the lives lost, may their souls find peace in heaven," Pacquiao wrote. "Welcome them in the warm embrace of your loving arms and give them rest."

He went on to acknowledge the families who were suffering from the loss of their loved ones after the storm.

"We pray also for the families they have left behind. May you keep them strong as they carry on with their lives," he wrote. "Give them courage to face any further hardships that come their way, and allow them to pave the way to a better life. Though some may be homeless, we pray that they never be hopeless."

Still, the athlete turned politician found reasons to praise God amid the turmoil.

"Lord Jesus, those of us you have spared from the typhoon are grateful," Paquiao wrote. "We pray that you always remind us to do what we can for the victims and to be the pillars in rebuilding our nation. In You we place our hope and trust. Amen."

Pacquiao has made helping people in his native Philippines a priority, and previously told The Christian Post that they inspired him to become a politician.

"I want to provide opportunities for my fellow countrymen that will improve their situations. As a politician, I want to help create jobs so that I can bring them out of their poverty," Pacquiao said to CP. "I want to give them hope. Boxing has been my passion, but public service is my calling. I love my boxing, but I realize now that is not what my life is all about."